In our latest Women In PHCP spotlight, we invite you to meet Kendra Barnes, business development manager for REHAU Construction! Barnes' role at REHAU Construction is to effectively develop new business opportunities with strategic partners including plumbing contractors, wholesaler/supply houses, and builders/developers in the Texas and Oklahoma markets. She works closely with her manufacturing rep agency in supporting their region, providing top-notch education, field assistance, and design development.  

Read our Q&A with Barnes below to learn more about her journey through the industry! 

PHCPPros: How and why did you decide to enter a career in the PHCP industry? 

Barnes: The plumbing industry found me! I was previously in the machining space focusing on tooling optimization for CNC machines in the fabrication and manufacturing world when I received a call from a plumbing manufacturer about joining their team. As the saying goes, once you get into plumbing, you don't get out. In all truth, this is the space I feel I was meant to be. The people are great!

PHCPPros: What have been some of your career highlights? 

Barnes: I feel my top career highlights so far include being elected on the board of directors for two amazing associations. I started with the Dallas Builders Association (DBA) in 2022, where I currently serve as vice president of our Metro East chapter. Then, I joined the Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) chapter of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) in 2023 as Women of ASPE Liaison and Social Media Chair. Recognition from peers is unmatched.

PHCPPros: Are you affiliated with any other industry groups or organizations? 

Barnes: Other than the DBA and DFW ASPE chapter mentioned previously, I'm also involved with the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) of North Texas. PHCC has introduced me to some of our leading industry educators and allowed me to present and teach many courses to up-and-coming Journeyman on newer technologies and advances in the plumbing space at the local construction college (CEF).

PHCPPros: What are your experiences with women mentors or mentees? 

Barnes: While I have not officially entered into a mentor/mentee program within the PHCP industry, there are certainly some great women I'd like to recognize. Brittainy Tidwell, senior associate at Huitt-Zollars, inspired me to join Women of ASPE and to become more present. She's been a great sounding board for direction and influence. Same goes for Melanie Willhite, owner and fire protection engineer at Smith Seckman Reid. She's never shied from lending a hand.

Mentoring other women in a more formal manner is a goal of mine; ASPE has a great mentorship program that I have a lot of interest in joining as a mentor. I'm currently sorting my travels and schedule in order to dedicate the deserved time a mentee needs before I feel I should commit. In the meantime, I'm really enjoying learning from the women who are "unofficial" mentors to me so that I can be more effective when it's my turn. I also work alongside incredible women, many of whom I’ve had the honor of mentoring. I strive to be someone they can turn to for guidance, support, or advice. Being approachable is one of my power strengths, and I never want to lose that. Paying it forward by empowering future and current women in the trades is my passion. Strong mentors create strong leaders, and I’m grateful to be part of this journey!

PHCPPros: What do you think the PHCP industry can do to better recruit and retain women?

Barnes: Great question! When we look at women of the industry and association programs, there tends to be this presumption that only women are allowed. I don't feel that's always the case. We need men to applaud and support women, which includes coed engagement in women-oriented events. While women should continue to advocate for women, we also need the men involved, as they make up the majority in the industry.

PHCPPros: What advice would you give to a woman entering the PHCP industry? 

Barnes: Dive on in! You'll find your way to the surface without drowning. If you have any hesitation, start at the shallow end. Network with the other women in the field you're looking to enter. Every woman I know has had a unique experience in the start, and the majority didn't plan on entering the plumbing space — it just happened. It's really a great industry and shockingly very welcoming.

PHCPPros: Is there anything from you personal life you'd like to highlight? 

Barnes: I'll never miss an opportunity to brag on my husband. He has been my biggest fan from the start when I moved to the plumbing space. We are the proud parents of a third-generation Marine and recently welcomed out first grandbaby. Often times, we visit small towns on the weekends to explore their history, enjoy our hunting seasons, and give grace to the opportunities we have.

Responses have been edited for brevity and clarity. 

Do you know someone you would like to nominate for our Women In PHCP newsletter series? Email PHCPPros Digital Strategy Manager Nicole Meyer at [email protected]!